Shop owner holds party to thank community for its support following burglary

The Croxley Green community was in high spirits on Sunday, April 21 for the owner of a off-license which was burgled last month.

Over £18,000 in stock and damages were stolen when two thieves broke in through the front of the Londis shop on Watford Road.

Shop owner Yogi Kandiah spoke to CroxleyNewsabout the affect the burglary has had on his family and wanted to thank the community of all its support.

He said: “It was heartwarming – everyone came together. The effect it leaves not just in what’s been taken but psychologically. It reminded me that community genuinely cared, it’s not just my shop, it’s their shop too.

“The reaction was phenomenal. The reason why we did this was when customers come in and out of the shop it’s hard to spend time with the customers. Having people there and talking to them was special. It was my wife and I’s birthday, so I wanted the community to feel special.

“They’re family. I hope Sunday made them realise that and they’re more than just customers.”

The thieves damaged the shutters, front door, shelves on the counter and stole a vast amount of stock totalling to over £18,000.

Sharon Taylor, who set up a GoFundMe page for Yogi, said: “I was shocked and angry to find out some thieves broke into our local shop, so I set up a fundraising page to help Yogi and his family.

“Sunday was a lovely day that was attended by so many in the community. It just goes to show Croxley Green has a great community spirit and that the family are well respected and liked. Their gesture today just proves why the family are so well liked and respected. They wholly deserve everyone pulling together to support them.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirm no arrests have been made.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call 101 quoting crime reference 41/28389/19.